Dell Precision T7600

Timed to coincide with the launch of Intel’s ‘Sandy Bridge’ Xeon processors, the machine also heralded what was arguably the biggest re-design in the history of Dell Precision workstations.

With a stylish aluminium chassis, the T7600 is hot on looks, but the most impressive thing about the design is its serviceability.

Hard drives that pop out from the front, a rear facing power supply that can be replaced in seconds and well ordered internal components are the standout features.

A completely re-engineered thermalmanagement system means there’s little to worry about when it comes to noise. Low duty fans draw air in at the front of the machine — cooling the CPUs, memory and hard drives — before being expelled at the rear.

The downside of this CFD-optimised design is you can really feel the hot air coming out of the back of the machine at peak loads. We pity the engineer who sits directly opposite.